Therapeutic food is unique in the Chinese food culture. It is considered to
be the best tonic for health because it combines the nutritional benefits of
fresh and natural foods with the therapeutic effects of superior herbs. The
recipes are designed to achieve the best synergistic healthful benefits.
Therapeutic food is prescription food specially prepared to meet the
individual's needs.
With centuries of finely honed theories and clinical
studies involving individuals, most recipes are tried-and-true. Every side
effect and therapeutic value is well documented and clearly known. These
recipes are extremely safe to use when similar ailments are present.
Making soup is the most common method in preparing medicinal dishes. The
long, slow simmering process is most effective in extracting the essential
nutrients from the ingredients into the broth and it is easiest for the body
to digest and absorb. The effects are quick. Soup is suitable for people of
all ages — sick or healthy. Even the weakest person living on a fluid diet
can benefit from nutritional soup.
Another popular form of medicinal food is congee, which is a rice soup or
rice porridge. It is prepared by cooking rice into a semi-solid form with
other food ingredients, herbs and adequate water. It is easy to eat and digest
and is to be eaten as a meal replacement. In Neijing or Classic of
Internal Medicine, the Yellow Emperor praises congee as "the most
nourishing food on earth" because it is high in nutritional values and
most soothing for the digestive system. It has an excellent cleansing as well
as astringent effect on your stomach. It is best for people with weak
digestion or indigestion, lack of appetite, stomach pain or diarrhea.
There are also recipes for making entree food dishes to be eaten with
meals. They are simple and easy to make and take relatively less time to
prepare.
